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IlluminOss Announces First Human Case
Utilizing Its Innovative Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System
Technology
East Providence, RI – February 19, 2009 – IlluminOss Medical
Inc., a medical device company developing the innovative
IlluminOss™ Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System for
orthopedic surgery, today announced that the first procedure
utilizing the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System
had been performed on a 21 year old patient with a fracture of
the 5th metacarpal.
With traditional methods of treating fractures, often an
incision the full length of the fracture line has to be made;
and plates and screws inserted to stabilize the fracture. There
may be extensive soft tissue damage; the patient has limited or
no mobility initially which may lead to temporary or permanent
stiffness; and the patient may experience severe pain.
The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System requires
just a small 4.5mm pathway into the bone to stabilize it. A
small diameter balloon catheter and light fiber are inserted
into the intramedullary canal of the bone. A photo sensitive,
liquid monomer is then infused into the balloon. The monomer
expands the balloon to fit the contours of the interior of the
bone, aiding in the reduction of the fracture. Then the light
source is activated, converting the liquid monomer into a
hardened polymer within 90 seconds. The tiny skin incision is
then closed.
Unlike other methods of fracture treatment, the IlluminOss
Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System is designed to enable the
patient to have immediate joint mobility post procedure without
the need for immobilization. The fracture also becomes partially
weight bearing immediately. Due to the minimally invasive
approach, soft tissue injury is virtually eliminated. Having
immediate mobility minimizes the potential for tendon adhesions
and a tenolysis procedure to remove them.
According to Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, M.D., Chief Medical Officer
of IlluminOss Medical, “The instrumentation is intuitive and
easy to use. The case report from the hospital indicates that
the overall procedure went according to plan with no
complications. The patient had mobility immediately. At six
weeks the x-rays showed an advanced consolidation process, with
no migration of the device and no displacement of the fracture.
Clinically, the patient had complete mobility and almost the
same strength with a minimal scar. He was working and leading a
normal life.”
Said Bob Rabiner, Founder and CEO of IlluminOss Medical, “This
case represents a major milestone for IlluminOss and patients
worldwide. We believe that our minimally invasive technology
will fundamentally improve the treatment of hundreds of
thousands of bone fractures by driving much earlier restoration
of functionality, improving the durability of orthopedic
repairs, decreasing pain and reducing scarring.”
About IlluminOss Medical Inc.
IlluminOss Medical is a privately held, early-stage medical
device company dedicated to the development of minimally
invasive orthopedic systems for the stabilization and treatment
of bone fractures. The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone
Stabilization System utilizes a photodynamic (light-curable)
polymer system intended to eliminate the need for traditional,
inconvenient and painful methods of bone fixation with external
pins, plates and screws. The Company is currently developing the
IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System for small
bones such as fractures of the hands, wrists, clavicle and arms.
It is anticipated that the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone
Stabilization System will also have applications in the spine
and long bones.
Founded in 2007, IlluminOss is headquartered in East Providence,
RI. For more information about IlluminOss Medical, please visit
www.illuminoss.com.
Company Contact
Bob Rabiner
(401) 714-0008 ext. 207
rrabiner @illuminoss.com
Media Contact
Stephen Sandler
(508) 358-7206 ext. 202
ssandler @vmark.net
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